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What about Infrastructure

“Some consider property taxes to be insufficient for raising municipal revenue because the rate-setting process is highly transparent and political: homeowners see and feel annual hikes quite keenly, and governments are publicly held to account for their taxing decisions…. Local governments will, of course, have to make a persuasive case to taxpayers that any tax hikes are justified, but that — rather than utilizing revenue tools that are less transparent — is precisely how responsible governments should function” (McMillan & Dahlby, 2014 p.1).
While the process of setting property taxation rates should be transparent, this is not to say that all municipal funds should be collected through property taxation. A more reliable means of accessing more funding from other levels of government needs to be developed.

“…in a sobering report, the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada estimates that 50 per cent of public infrastructure will reach the end of its service life by 2027” (Brodhead, Darling & Mullin, 2014).

“Municipalities own 52 percent of public infrastructure, but collect just eight cents of every tax dollar” (Brodhead, Darling & Mullin, 2014).

“In our existing taxation structure, the federal and provincial government collect more than 90 per cent of all taxes paid by Canadians” (Brodhead, Darling & Mullin, 2014).

“Examining the impact of infrastructure spending on GDP growth has found … that for every $1.0 billion in spending, GDP would be boosted by $1.14 billion” (Brodhead, Darling & Mullin, 2014).

“A 2013 study by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce estimated that the breadth of investment needed to address Canada’s infrastructure deficit could be as high as $570 billion” (Brodhead, Darling & Mullin, 2014).

Village staff and elected officials spend significant time, through their member organizations such as NCLGA, AKBLG, UBCM, FCM and others, advocating for more direct transfers of funds from other levels of government to address municipal infrastructure concerns. This is an important function when staff and elected officials attend conferences and meetings. Your elected officials, your municipal organization - working and advocating for a better system to serve you and your children into the future.

Conclusion

Taxes are a means for people to accomplish together what they cannot do individually.